Sandra‘s Closet

I have to admit that I love everything vanilla. The ingredient has been used as a natural aphrodisiac for centuries. That is why it is of no surprise that it is one of the scents that men find attractive in women.

However there’s an intrinsic paradox to vanilla: One of the world’s most rarefied spices, it has also become shorthand for blandness in everything from food to sex. Within the fragrance world, it’s generally associated with sweet body sprays from Victoria’s Secret rather than a high-end perfume. Tom Ford is about to change this with its newest fragrance launch VANILLA SEX!

Addictive by nature, glamorous by design, a captivating interplay of deep and bright vanilla notes star in VANLLA SEX. An unforgettable experience, this new fragrance is an icon of sensual pleasure that is far from innocent.

Vanilla Tincture India, an ingredient created specifically for VANILLA SEX, exudes a soft sensuality. Vanilla reveals a pristine glamour, warmed by mysterious florals and bitter almond essence. A timeless sandalwood quality mingles with enticing tonka absolute and an exquisite Ultravanil™ molecule.

The bottle is featuring an opaque, cream-colored inner lacquering, a honey-tinted outer layer, and a caramel-hued plaque, the Private Blend bottle is an extravagant monument for any vanity/grooming area.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy
Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands
Key Notes: Vanilla Tincture, Vanilla Absolute, Sandalwood

In Switzerland available at Globus for CHF 358.00 (50ml) and CHF 221.00 (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Tom Ford
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Recently I got a wonderful surprise and received a bottle of «Portrait of a Lady», which is an icon of haute perfumery. The scent is a new breed of oriental rose, a baroque perfume. It is based on an accord of benzoin, cinnamon, sandalwood and, above all patchouli, musk and frankincense. It takes off with an excessive dosage of the best Turkish rose essence that Dominique Ropion linked to the rest of the formula, thanks to a red berries and spice accord.

Hundreds of trials were needed to balance such an excessive formula. Portrait of a Lady is undoubtedly the perfume containing the strongest dosage of rose essence and patchouli heart. It’s a rare symphonic perfume appeared: a new amber rose, a sensuous beauty that attracts people like a magnet, a modern classic: Portrait of a Lady. It is an olfactory masterpiece of pure elegance, baroque opulence, and splendor that people will ask you about.

Top note: Rose
Middle notes: Blackcurrant, raspberry, clove
Base notes: Patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense

Dominique Ropion trained at the legendary Roure Bertrand Dupont laboratory before going to work with Jean-Louis Sieuzac, one of the perfumery world’s great technicians. Today he’s a star perfumer at IFF. He is the nose behind bestellers such as Alien (2005 Thierry Mugler) and Lady Million (2010 Paco Rabanne) An adventurer who abandons himself to instinct, Ropion is on a quest to create new, harmonious accords by pairing ingredients which are extreme opposites. His work is special because of the tension between precision and freedom.

TO SHOP PORTRAIT OF A LADY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Frederic Malle
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Where selfcare meets diamonds…

Estée Lauder and Messika, each founded by a trailblazing visionary leader, share an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in both their products and service, along with a dedication to the celebration and advancement of women. The remarkable journeys of Mrs. Estée Lauder and Valérie Messika, both entrepreneurial pioneers in their respective industries, serve as inspiration to women leaders everywhere. Both brands, fueled by a determination to serve and elevate women, lay the groundwork for a formidable collaboration.

Reveal your inner diamond

The Estée Lauder x Messika collaboration represents a modern expression of the elevated glamour for which Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv is known. The partnership is based on a shared inspiration with diamonds, a key symbol both in the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Collection, and Messika Paris’ unique craftsmanship. Diamonds symbolize great strength, power, and longevity – a flawless radiance personified by the two brands, invoking a sense of unparalleled luxury. Just as diamonds hold their value forever, Re-Nutriv’s patented technology empowers skin to look and act younger for longer, visibly reversing skin cell aging and delivering a radical blueprint for recapturing time.

A women diamond jewelry box just as precious

Limited-edition packaging featuring an exclusive Messika X Estée Lauder design will be available on two Re-Nutriv skincare icons: Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Crème and Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Crème Rich. A special edition women luxury gift box that doubles up as a jewelry case for diamond jewelry, housing a selection of the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond collection products.

Channel your luck, win a diamond

As part of this collaboration, Swiss consumers can go on a Diamond Quest for this unique prize: Spread over 500 limited edition Messika x Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Creams there will be a radiant 1-carat Messika diamond worth worth CHF 15,000. The winner winner will have the chance to meet Valérie Messika in person at the Messika Atelier in Paris to receive the diamond diamond, mounted on a necklace from the iconic Messika Emotion collection.

Available in Switzerland from January 15th, 2024 exclusively at all Estée Lauder counters at Globus and on globus.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Estée Lauder / Messina
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Lost in the enchanting hues of M·A·C Lovestruck Luck Collection, here are the new products from the collection that is celebrating Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day at once. Try your luck at love! Aim straight for the heart of whomever you love with the help of the best-selling face, eye and lip products in brand-new and tried-and-true shades featured in M·A·C Lovestruck Luck.

Taking inspiration from the Chinese New Year dragon, each product is outfitted in limited-edition packaging that morphs a dragon scale pattern into a mesh of tiny interlocking heart shapes that’s as chic as it is covetable.

Lustreglass Lipstick / Lovestruck Luck
Luck Has It – Dirty peach-beige
Powerfully Potent – Deep red
Sweeter Cinnamon – Warm brick

CHF 32.00

Molten Metal Highlighter
Many Moons Aglow – Universal champagne

CHF 45.00

Powder Blush / Lovestruck Luck
Power To You! – Warm burgundy
Full Of Wonder – Warm champagne-peach

CHF 41.00

Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Weightless Loose Powder / Lovestruck Luck
Translucent

CHF 45.00

Eye Shadow x 6: Lovestruck Luck
Just A Dream – Warm champagne satin with copper (Pearl)
Untamed Flame – Warm garnet lustre (Lustre)
Legend Has It – Gold-peach with green pearlescent particles (Satin)
She’s Got Flare – Peachy pink duo chrome (Duochrome)
Waiting In The Wings – Warm terracotta-brown (Matte)
Sparkle Starter – Metallic khaki with gold pearlescent particles (Pearl)

CHF 60.00

Macstack Mascara / Lovestruck Love
Black Stack

CHF 42.00

When the day or date is over, melt their heart as effortlessly as their makeup with the science-backed lightweight Hyper Real™ Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil for a powerful yet gentle cleanse to give the gift of great skin.

Hyper Real™ Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil / Lovestruck Luck

CHF 52.00

The collection is available exclusively at Globus and maccosmetis.ch from January 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MAC Cosmetics
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

FaceGym‘s innovative approach to at-home skincare, Faceshot™ works as a two-in-one microneedling and liquid vitamin treatment to deliver a gentle but effective exfoliation. The device encourages skin renewal, strengthens the complexion and reveals new layers of skin underneath, while the micro-abrasions initiate the repair process. Developed with medical-grade stainless steel microneedles, Faceshot™ creates active pathways to help the AHA penetrate deeper into the skin where it’s needed to give longer-lasting results.

With FaceGym’s ‘Faceshot™’ tool you can achieve studio-standard results at home as you can increase cell turnover, giving your skin a smoother texture and tone by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.

TO SHOP FACESHOT™ AT 20% OFF , CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © FACEGYM
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Make a list and check it twice, you’re going to want all 14 limited edition shades from OPI’s Terribly Nice Collection for Holiday 2023. The collection embraces everyone’s inner duality with seven playful, sweet, and cheerful «nice»shades and seven bold, sexy, and provocative «naughty» hues. With a palette featuring a colorful mix of nontraditional and traditional holiday shades, Terribly Nice captures the feel-good energy of the season and allows wearers to unapologetically be themselves.

In the «nice» assortment, highly-saturated colors have a rainbow effect that’s joyful and uplifting, including metallic shades of golden cream, rose gold, and lavender. Shimmering hues of white with lilac undertones and a jewel-toned fuschia give nails dimension, while sparkly lilac glitter and deep lavender crème offer one of the season’s trendiest hues in different finishes. The «naughty» selection incorporates darker jewel tones and strong metals, including metallic shades of gray gold and warm gold, as well as a black multicolored glitter. Teal, brown, and forest green hues feature elegant shimmer finishes. The collection is rounded out with a classic red crème with burgundy undertones.

«The holiday season is a special time for people, and nails play a big role in creating that celebratory feel,» explains OPI Co- Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. «Nails are bolder during the holidays, and even have a touch of camp this season, with nail art and embellishments ranging from elegant to over the-top playful, accentuating and completing holiday looks. OPI’s Terribly Nice collection includes lots of shades packed with glitter, shimmer, and metallic tones–I’m already thinking of what festive clothes I’ll pair with these holiday hues! It’s never too early for the holiday season.»

 

Terribly Nice Collection shades will be available in GelColor, Infinite Shine and Nail Lacquer formulas. GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine offers a high-shine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

• Recommended retail price per Infinite Shine 15 ml: 24.90 CHF (at the discretion of retailers)
• Recommended retail price per Nail Lacquer 15 ml: 19.90 CHF (at the discretion of retailers)

Be a Little Bit Naughty and a Little Bit Nice this holiday ‘23 with OPI’s Terribly Nice Collection.. In stores now or available online here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © OPI #OPITerriblyNice #OPISwitzerland
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I don’t need to introduce La Mer as I have been promoting it since many years. The luxury legacy brand has earned its name recognition and Miracle Broth™ cult-following. What does need introduction, however, is the brand’s most recent drop: The New La Mer Lifting Firming Serum.

This booster boasts some pretty jaw-dropping claims for all skin types: Not only will your skin look firmer and more lifted in just one week, but also dullness and loss of elasticity will be diminished.

The serum is said to achieve such dramatic results thanks to three ingredients:
– Miracle Broth™: Complements visibly firming actives for an uplifted look.
– The Restructuring Ferment: Boosts the feeling of density and fills skin with visibly plumping hydration.
– Fluid Framework: Is an active-infused delivery structure that precisely supports skin’s potency.

I tried the serum and observed a visible transformation with the first application. I looked fresh. Over a few days, I genuinely had more plumped and lifted skin. After one week, my jawline was more defined, and, overall, my skin looked firmer. It brought my skin back to life!

TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Mer
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

After launching its haircare offshoot, Hair Rituel, in 2018, Sisley has climbed the ranks as a leading hair expert. And the latest formula to join its cohort? The Invisible Hold Hairspray. Powered by pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E acetate, this spray offers natural results with a flexible hold that secures your strands in place all day. What’s more, the soft blend also works to create a fuller body for a voluminous mane that’s sure to turn heads.

Application: Spray evenly 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) away from the head. The degree of hold can be adjusted according to the amount of product applied. For volumising effect, spray at the same level as the roots.

My tip: Spray a little bit on your brush before brushing your hair.

A multitasking styling essential that doubles as haircare. I absolutely love it!

TO SHOP THE INVISIBLE HOLD HAIRSPRAY CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sisley Paris
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

BY TERRY builds on hyaluronic mastery with the NEW multi-tasking Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist and the upgraded Loose and Pressed Hyalorinic Hydra-Powder. Three amazing products you shouldn’t miss.

HYALURONIC GLOW SETTING MIST
Skincare first high-performance setting spray.

This multi-functional fine mist hydrates the skin up to 8 hours, primes and sets makeup for up to 16 hours to be smudge-proof & transfer-resistant. Its skincare infused formula includes our exclusive technology of 8 different Hyaluronic Acids with a unique protective complex of Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Ceramides and Probiotics that help to protect against external aggressions for a healthy and flawless skin.

Its non-greasy and easily absorbed formula gives your skin instant hydration. The hydration level of the skin is boosted by +103% from 1st application.

Alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Suitable for all skin types. 100% Recyclable Plastic Bottle.

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

Hyaluronic Acid has wonderful hydrating properties. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water to keep the skin hydrated and radiant. Boost your skin’s youthfulness with the power of the 8x hyaluronic acid types exclusive technology that ensures the skin a triple hydration:

– The high-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid delivers immediate and intensive hydration to the surface layers of the skin and prevents dehydration.
– Medium-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid plumps the skin and provides a smoother skin surface.
– The low-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid ensures a deeper, long-lasting hydration of the epidermis.

The Camellia Japonica Flower complex is composed with delicate flowers that have long been treasured in traditional Asian skincare for their antioxidant-rich properties and ability to soothe and rejuvenate the skin. Their essence imparts a sense of serenity, while helping to protect your skin from environmental stressors.

The Freshbiome complex is a powerful active that contains 3 probiotics and 4 ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier from the inside, reduces pores and keep the oil and moisture balance.

RESULTS

This ultra care spray creates a protective barrier, preventing your makeup from smudging, fading, or transferring, giving you the confidence to rock your flawless look. It will leave your complexion fresh & radiant all day long.

8HA HYALURONIC HYDRA-POWDER
Skincare first loose setting powder.

This multi-purpose silky powder instantly blurs imperfections, wrinkles & fine lines, minimizes pores, evens out skin tones, fills, absorbs oil & reduces shine and sets make up for long-lasting wear. Its weightless, translucent texture feels comfortable on the skin and has a non-drying effect. Its 100% natural origin formula is perfect for combination to oily skin. Suitable for all skin tones. Infused with 8x hyaluronic acid types exclusive technology in 3 molecular weights (low, medium and high), this skincare infused formula helps to protect and prevents skin from dehydration.

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

Its 100% natural origin, clean & vegan formula only contains 2 ingredients: silica and 8 hyaluronic acid types. Hyaluronic Acid has wonderful hydrating properties. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The 8x hyaluronic acid types exclusive technology ensures the skin a triple hydration:

– The medium-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid plumps the skin and provides a smoother skin surface.
– The low-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid ensures a deeper, long-lasting hydration of the epidermis.
– The Silica has mattifying properties and provides the powder its incredible silky touch.

RESULTS

Mattifies and controls shine, blurs imperfections, fills in fine lines and wrinkles, and sets makeup for longer. Skin Looks FLAWLESS, perfectly SMOOTH.

HYALURONIC PRESSED HYDRA-POWDER
Skincare first pressed setting powder.

This translucent pressed powder sets, mattifies, blurs imperfections, fills in pores, fines lines & wrinkles on the skin without coverage, and without drying out the skin. Oils are controlled whilst keeping the skin its natural radiance, mimicking a skin like finish. Its weightless, translucent texture feels comfortable on the skin and has a non-drying effect. Perfect for combination to oily skin. Suitable for all skin tones.

Infused with 8x hyaluronic acid types exclusive technology in 3 molecular weights (low, medium and high), this skincare infused formula helps to protect and prevents skin from dehydration. Its convenient travel-friendly compact packaging, with integrated mirror & puff, makes this the perfect powder to take with you on the go to keep your makeup perfected and protected all day.

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

Hyaluronic acid is an amazing moisturizing, plumping ingredient that locks in hydration to leave skin smooth and radiant. It’s a «moisture magnet» that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water for long-lasting hydration. 70% mineral-based ingredients. Its clean & vegan formula is infused with the 8x hyaluronic acid types exclusive technology to ensure the skin a triple hydration:

– The high-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid delivers immediate and intensive hydration to the surface layers of the skin and prevents dehydration.
– The medium-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid plumps the skin and provides a smoother skin surface.
– The low-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid ensures a deeper, long-lasting hydration of the epidermis.

Mica pearls improve long-lasting hold of makeup and provide a silky second-skin feeling. Soft-focus powders absorb shine and blur imperfections.

RESULTS

Creates a flawless finish. Invisibly sets makeup and improves your makeup’s staying power. Complexion looks matte and even. Imperfections are disguised. Perfect for creating a full matte finish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of BY TERRY
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

What if believing in mysterious signs, keeping talismans close, or projecting your desires onto superstitions was a reliable way to ensure that luck is on your side? Gabrielle Chanel believed it wholeheartedly, shaping her destiny based on symbols that have since become iconic.

Lions, wheat, comets, camellias, numbers… Mademoiselle was as talented as she was superstitious, and she surrounded herself with objects and symbols. These talismans gave her the freedom to achieve her dreams; inspiration for the designs in her collections; strokes of genius that led to her most iconic signature styles; and the strength to embrace her destiny. With the LES SYMBOLES DE CHANEL collection, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has reimagined 5 iconic symbols as precious highlighters. Le Lion, La Comète, Le Camélia, Les Perles, and Les Chaînes become 3 subtle and sophisticated shades: Warm Gold, Precious Coral, and Pearly White, offering sparkling shimmer designed to illuminate and enhance the complexion. And your future…

THE LION
A symbol of strength

The animal representing Gabrielle Chanel’s zodiac sign is a mirror image of her radiant, untameable personality. It also recalls the Lion of Venice, an iconic city that fascinated Mademoiselle. The lion is a true inspiration, lending strength and pride to those who choose it.

LA COMÈTE
A symbol of luck

“ I wanted to cover women in constellations ”, said Gabrielle Chanel in 1932, while presenting her first and only high jewelry collection, which is filled with celestial motifs. Superstitious, she put her faith in the stars and loved surrounding herself with comets. The comet gives off incandescent light, promising eternal luck to its owners.

LES PERLES
A symbol of radiance

Gabrielle Chanel played with strings of pearls boldly and freely, wearing them close to or draped around her neck, during the day as well as in the evening, in the city and even at the beach. Pearls, which capture both warmth and light, illuminate the complexion and reveal the radiance of those who wear them.

LE CAMÉLIA
A symbol of harmony

Typically worn by dandies on the lapels of their jackets, the camellia became Gabrielle Chanel’s emblem in 1913. It has been featured in many of her creations, where it continues to flourish, still today. Perfectly symmetrical, it never loses its leaves; it embodies steadfast beauty—harmonious and serene. An oasis of calm that soothes and provides peace of mind to those who treasure it.

LES CHAÎNES
A symbol of style

Gabrielle Chanel, an avant-gardist, broke with the rules of her era when she added a chain to her bags. Tucked into the lining of CHANEL jackets, chains are also the secret to creating their structure and ensuring that they fit perfectly. Symbolizing a unique style, chains reveal the allure of those who wear them proudly.

LES SYMBOLES DE CHANEL
Maxi Poudre Illuminatrice
WARM GOLD: a champagne
PRECIOUS CORAL: a soft, satin coral
PEARLY WHITE: a sparkling white
Available for CHF 77.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.